Today's Day in Rock
Paul McCartney Duets With Alice Cooper On Supergroup Project
Paul McCartney has added even more star power to Alice Cooper's new supergroup Hollywood Vampires which also features Aerosmith's Joe Perry and actor Johnny Depp.
Perry revealed last year that he had recorded with McCartney as part of a secret project and now he has provided more details in an interview with Rolling Stone, explaining that the collaboration is part of the cover album being made by the new supergroup led by Alice Cooper.
The Aerosmith guitarist says that they worked with McCartney on a cover of Badfinger's "Come and Get It," which the Beatles legend wrote and produced for the group in the late 1960s, with McCartney and Cooper sharing the lead vocal duties on the track.
McCartney "knew all the chords, the lyrics, everything," says Perry. "He didn't have any cheat sheets. It was like he'd been playing it his whole life." He also explained what it was like to be in the studio with McCartney, "[We] were standing there and looking at each other and I tell you -- if there's any ego-lever in a room, it's Paul. It doesn't matter who you are or what you've done. If Paul's in the room, he's there. It was hard to focus on playing."
The song was recorded for the album project that will pay tribute to the original Hollywood Vampires, which was a group of rock stars that gathered together at the Rainbow Bar and Grill on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood during the 1970s.
The original Hollywood Vampires included late rockstars like John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, and The Who's Keith Moon. The Badfinger cover was recorded in tribute to late members Pete Ham and Mark Evans who both committed suicide. Ham in 1975 and Evans in 1983.
Motionless in White In Tour Van Crash
Motionless in White revealed that they crashed their touring van while driving on Interstate 80 between Cheyenne, Wyoming and Salt Lake City, Utah. Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash.
The group is currently on a headline tour, dubbed the Beyond The Barricade Tour, that features For Today, New Years Day and Ice Nine Kills. They said that the tour will go on as planned despite the crash.
The band posted the following message on their Facebook page on Thursday, "Well, after years of touring the country in the winter, 2 days ago we finally experienced the wrath of the notorious stretch of Interstate 80 between Cheyenne WY and Salt Lake that everyone seems to wreck on.
"We are all 100% okay, and considering the tragedy and loss far greater than ours that many other bands/people in general have suffered on I-80 or I-70, we are incredibly lucky and grateful that all we lost was a van and not someones life.
"Fortunately for us, we are traveling with 2 vans on this tour and we were able to jump in our other van with our crew members and continue on the tour as planned. All upcoming dates of the tour remain entirely intact and nothing has changed. We're still coming!
"We do want to extend a special thank you to the fans in SLC for their understanding in us pushing the show a day forward so we had time to make it last night. Regardless of what has happened, this has seriously been the best tour we can say that we have ever done. The crowds have been unbelievable every night and we are so thankful to everyone who has attended and anyone who is planning on coming out to a show for making it all worth it. To anyone out there driving in winter conditions, please be safe!
We hope to see you soon. Thank you! - MIW"
Iron Maiden Give Update On Bruce's Cancer Fight
Iron Maiden's manager Rod Smallwood posted an update on the band's website on Wednesday, informing fans how frontman Bruce Dickinson is doing in his battle with cancer.
As we previously reported, last month the band revealed that Dickinson has undergone treatment for a small cancerous tumor on his tongue. The band reported that the cancer was found early and Dickinson is expected to make a full recovery.
Here is Smallwood's message, "Bruce has asked me to thank everyone for their tremendous support and kind wishes. He has been extremely touched and encouraged by the genuine and affectionate response from our global family of Maiden fans.
"Radiology is cumulative and continues to build in the body for around three weeks after treatment, so even though Bruce's seven week course is completed, he's had a long period of considerable pain and discomfort. He is happily now starting to recuperate and the pain will continue to abate and the swelling to reduce for the next couple of months at which time he will be able take an MRI scan. It is not until then that we will have full confirmation that the cancer has been completely destroyed. However prognosis continues to be extremely good and everyone is optimistic for a full recovery. Following the scan, we will officially update you on this website at the appropriate time, probably in late May.
"After that, it will take a few more months for Bruce to get back to full fitness. Naturally the rest of the band are totally supportive and Maiden's plans will be determined by Bruce's progress. Please continue your positive thoughts. They are very much appreciated."
Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain revealed in a recent interview that the band has completed a new studio album but plans for release and a supporting tour are on hold as Bruce recovers.
Travis Barker, Sebastian Bach, Mick Mars Guest On DMC's Solo Album
(TeamRock Radio) The latest episode of Talking Metal features a special interview with Darryl McDaniels, better known as DMC from Run DMC, as well as interviews with Rob Dukes and Rob Moschetti from Generation Kill.
The hip-hop legend revealed that he recruited some heavy rockers as special guests on his next solo album including Generation Kill, Sebastian Bach, Motley Crue's Mick Mars, Rancid's Tim Armstrong, Blink-192's Travis Barker, and Sublime with Rome's Rome Ramirez. The album will also feature Public Enemy's Chuck D.
McDaniels also explained why fans will never see Run DMC perform again. He says, "We can't be Run DMC without Jam Master Jay. The only time you will see me on stage after March 19 this with either my band or with Rob Dukes and Generation Kill."
Buddy Holly's Fatal Plane Crash May Be Reinvestigated
(Classic Rock) The plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper in 1959 could be reinvestigated by US authorities. The tragedy - often referred to as "the day the music died" after Don McLean's lyrics in American Pie - took place amid wintery conditions in Iowa.
Pilot Roger Peterson, who also died, is thought to have lost control as a result of bad weather and human error. Holly was 22, Valens was 17 and JP Richardson, the Big Bopper, was 28.
Now the US National Transportation Safety Board have confirmed they've received a request to reopen the investigation. A spokesman says: "We are reviewing the petition to reconsider the Buddy Holly crash, based on certain criteria in our regulations."
The NTSB are only allowed to re-investigate if new information has come to light. Read more here.
Motley Crue's Mick Mars May Work With John Corabi Again
(Classic Rock) Former Motley Crue frontman John Corabi says he's preparing to work with guitarist Mick Mars again. He reports that the pair will start writing songs together once Crue's farewell tour is completed at the end of the year.
Corabi - who replaced Vince Neil in 1992 but was ousted on the original singer's return four years later - tells Do You Know Jack: "A lot of people already know about it. Mick and I have had some discussions about possibly going in and doing a record, and maybe going out and doing some shows.
"I was just talking to him the other day. So we'll see how that works out." The singer says his abilities as a guitarist may have offered Mars additional opportunities while the pair worked together in Crue. Read more here.
Metallica May Play New Music At Summer Shows
(Classic Rock) Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich says the long-awaited follow-up to 2008 album Death Magnetic is "pretty close" to being written - and they'll play some of their new tracks live during the summer.
But he's asked fans for their continued patience over the project, which has been gradually taking shape over the past few years. Asked about the chance of hearing new material during the summer - including headline appearances at this year's Reading and Leeds festivals - he replies: "I hope so. Absolutely."
And he adds that the release, when it comes, will be treated in the usual fashion with a long run-in. "It's not like we're going to just give it to iTunes on Thursday without telling anybody. That's not on the cards." Read more here.
Armored Saint Announce New Album and Tour With Saxon
Armored Saint has announced that they will release their first new studio album in five years, entitled "Win Hands Down," on June 2nd and they have also announced a string of tour dates with Saxon.
Frontman John Bush had the following to say, "When we began talking about a new record I told Joey Vera (bass) to pretend we were a really huge band and that we could do anything we wanted. At least that was the mindset we should have, from the writing to the production. What came out was Win Hands Down, which is our first record in five years.
"There's everything from classic Armored Saint rocker songs to epic songs and we all dug deep to deliver something special. If we weren't going to, then we shouldn't have bothered. I'm glad we did. In May we are doing some shows in the States with Saxon. It's a great way to get the ball rolling."
Vera adds, "We're very excited about our new record coming out in June! We've been writing over the past year and half and we feel like we've written some amazing music. We can't wait to share it! To get our whistle's wet, we're super excited about doing some warm up gigs before the record release with the legendary Saxon this May! We're doing a total of six shows between the East Coast, Texas, West Coast and we couldn't think of a better way to start off the summer! See you all soon."
The tour dates with Saxon will be kicking off on May 12th in New York City at BB Kings and will include stops in Massachusetts and Texas before wrapping up with shows in Northern and Southern California. See the tour dates here.
Brian Wilson Announces Summer Tour
Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson has announced that he will be embarking on a summer tour of North America and he will be joined by his former bandmates Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin.
Wilson will be touring in support of his forthcoming solo album "No Pier Pressure," which also features guest appearances from Jardine and Chaplin. The album will be released on April 7th.
The tour will be kicking off on June 18th in Saratoga, CA at The Mountain Winery and concluding on July 12th in Seattle, WA at Benaroya Hall. The tour will include support from acclaimed Searching for Sugarman star Rodriguez. See the tour dates here.
The Yardbirds Postpone Spring Tour Due To Health Concerns
The recently revealed new lineup of The Yardbirds has announced that they have been forced to postpone their upcoming North American spring tour "due to health concerns."
We received the following announcement from their camp, "Unfortunately, due to health concerns and extenuating circumstances, The Yardbirds' Spring 2015 tour dates have been postponed."
Founding member Jim McCarty gave more details on his official website. He wrote, "I'm very sorry to announce that due to medical reasons, the tour this Spring to the US has had to be cancelled. Whilst it is (these days anyway) a minor procedure that I'm having, it will take me a little while to recuperate.
"It's very disappointing for all concerned and not least for those of you looking forward to seeing us, but I'm sure we'll be back very soon. I'll post more news when I have some. Best wishes, Jim."
The tour was set to feature the new lineup of the band which includes original members McCarty and Top Topham, along with Kenny Aaronson, Myke Scavone, and John Idan.
Kim Seviour Leaving Touchstone
(Prog) Kim Seviour has announced that she is leaving Touchstone and her last performance with the band will be at this month's HRH Prog festival on March 20.
She's been living with a debilitating medical condition for some time, and it's now forced her to rethink her career after eight years fronting the Hertfordshire prog outfit.
Seviour says in a statement: "As many of you will know, I've dealt with ME for the last five years. The condition and lifestyle changes that it has resulted in - including a move cross-country - have made it impossible for me to commit to Touchstone in the way that it truly deserves.
"I need to take time to concentrate on my health and getting myself back to peak condition. I love my boys to bits and we've shared many amazing adventures - which would have been impossible without the support of incredible music lovers, and friends such as yourselves." Read more here.
Steven Wilson Wouldn't Want To Lead A Porcupine Tree Reunion
(Prog) Steven Wilson insists he wouldn't want to take the lead on writing duties in any Porcupine Tree reunion. The frontman has never ruled out a return to the band, although in January he shot down rumours that it was set to happen in the near future.
But if they do get back together, he has no interest in bringing in a near-complete album like he used to. Wilson tells Under The Radar: "I would have to say to the guys, 'Look, there's no point in me writing the material. If I were to do that I might as well do it for a solo record. Let's try writing together, or writing in partnerships."
He accepts that, no matter how successful his solo career becomes, he'll always be asked about Porcupine Tree. "I think of someone like Peter Gabriel - people are still asking him when Genesis are getting back together," says Wilson.
"It's not a bad thing; it's a flattering thing. When you step out of a reasonably successful band it doesn't matter how good your solo work is. People always have a nostalgic attachment to the band identity. I'm used to it now.
"But it is frustrating sometimes that I have to explain, four albums into my solo career, that if Porcupine Tree get back together, it will be a side-project." Read more here.
Peter Gabriel's Play DVD Set For Reissue
(Prog) Peter Gabriel's Play DVD will be re-released on May 18 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. Originally launched in 2004, it includes videos for 23 tracks, plus bonus material.
Eagle Rock say: "For the majority of the songs the videos included are the originals, but Games Without Frontiers has been reworked and there are new promos for In Your Eyes, Solsbury Hill and Washing Of The Water, for which no original footage was created.
"The DVD features 5.1 mixes by Daniel Lanois, which are unique to this collection. Bonus features include optional video introductions plus also a live performance of Games Without Frontiers from 2004. Additionally, we include the original videos for both Modern Love (1977) and The Nest That Sailed The Sky, plus trailers for A Family Portrait, Growing Up Live and Secret World Live." Read more here.
More on Peter Gabriel - Peter Gabriel Music, DVDs, Books and more - Peter Gabriel T-shirts and Posters
Asia and UK Singer John Wetton Has Two Albums Out This Month
(Prog) Asia and UK vocalist John Wetton is releasing two albums this month - a live set and a double-disc anthology of his solo material. The former King Crimson man, who's been fronting prog icons UK on their final tour, will release both titles through Cherry Red.
The first, New York Minute, sees him performing many of the tracks that inspired him - some of which have never previously been available on record. It's topped with his solo hit Battle Lines and Asia classic Heat Of The Moment.
Then comes The Studio Recordings Anthology, containing 32 tracks from six of his solo albums and featuring guest appearances by Robert Fripp, Steve Hackett, Geoff Downes, Steve Lukather and many others. Read more here.
Behemoth's Nergal Unplugging For Solo Project
(TeamRock Radio) Behemoth frontman Adam 'Nergal' Darski has revealed he's working on a solo acoustic project. And it's currently more important to him than following up his main band's 2014 album The Satanist.
Nergal tells the Broward Palm Beach New Times: "I'm actually working on a project now, but I don't want to let too much out about it yet - very stripped down and simple. The most primitive, acoustic-based stuff. That's what I'm really into."
He adds: "I'm always creating. I do stuff on the side and some of it's not suitable for Behemoth. I've got some other projects that will eventually see the light of day. Or not!" Read more here.
Kataklysm Announce New Album 'Of Ghosts and Gods'
Nuclear Blast have announced that they will be releasing Kataklysm's new studio album, entitled "Of Ghosts and Gods", on July 31st and the band will be playing a special album release party at a music festival that night.
The band had following to say about the album, "KATAKLYSM has been full of inspiration and are in full determination mode lately; a rejuvenated band that is out to conquer the world with no sign of stopping!
"This promises to be the album that will once and for all establish KATAKLYSM as one of the top pioneers of the genre! The latest material will be touching on some new ground while maintaining the aggressive edge the band has always been known for.
"The chemistry with new drummer Oli Beaudoin is incredible, and the four horsemen promise some crushing new material coming your way. Death metal hymns are arriving!"
On the night the album is released the band will be taking the stage at the Wacken Open Air in Germany for the official Album Release Party during the famed music festival. The group has also lined up a number of other festival appearances this spring across Europe. See the dates here.
NHL Arizona Coyotes Goalie's Mask Tributes Alice Cooper
(hennemusic) A tribute to longtime Phoenix resident and NHL Arizona Coyotes supporter Alice Cooper is featured on a new mask worn by the team's goalie Mike Smith.
The goaltender worked with artist David Arrigo to design a retro-style mask that combines a coyote on the front, an old Coyotes team logo on the side, and Cooper on the back.
"I think it turned out unbelievable," says Smith. "It's very simple, it's very retro, and that's the theme we went with this time around. It's the old Coyote head with different things involved, obviously the whole head of the coyote and then the old logo on the side.
"Probably the coolest thing about the helmet is the backplate. It's a tribute to Alice Cooper. He's been a lifer as a Coyote fan and a big supporter of the team.
"David been wanting to paint Alice Cooper on my helmet for quite a few years now and finally I let him have at it. Obviously it's an amazing tribute to Alice and the support he gives our team, and a throwback to him."
Arrigo explains each new design presents its own challenges and opportunities as the pair work through the design process.
"With EVERY mask I work on with Smitty, there will be… let's say, some locking of the horns, and this piece was no different," says the artist. "Smitty was looking for a clean break all around, including the backplate. In contrast, I push as much as possible to have something on the mask that have people look twice.
"He wanted the Coyotes moon logo vs. I was looking for something more entertaining and had a punch. Enter Alice Cooper, rock star, Arizona resident and Coyote fan. What is more retro than Alice Cooper!" Read more and check out video and photos of the mask here.
IZZ Announce Final Release In Album Trilogy
(Prog) New York prog ensemble IZZ will complete an album trilogy with the launch of Everlasting Instant on April 7. It's the third instalment in a series that started with 2009's The Darkened Room and continued with 2012's Crush Of Night - and it's their seventh studio title in total.
Vocalist, keyboardist, producer and engineer Tom Glagano explains: "Many of the melodies, rhythms and lyrics in Everlasting Instant began as seeds on the two previous albums, and they've come to fruition on this release.
"Listeners will recognise the subtle variations on prior themes, and they'll also be presented with an exciting collection of new musical ideas." Read more here.
Y&T Plan European Tour This Fall
(Classic Rock) Y&T have confirmed a 12-date UK tour at the end of the year. It's the last leg of a wider European trek that kicked off in Spain and takes in Norway, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
The band just completed a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund the making of a documentary - they secured nearly $59,000 after setting a $26,000 target.
Mainman Dave Meniketti said: "In the past we'd ask a record company or a big corporation for funding - and in exchange, sign away our rights and artistic control. But we can do it differently, and tell the story the way it should be told, uncut, with all the nitty-gritty, the stories you want to hear, in a film you want to see." Read more here.
Judas Priest Streaming Expanded 'Defenders Of The Faith' Online
(hennemusic) Judas Priest are streaming material from the upcoming 30th anniversary expanded edition of "Defenders Of The Faith" ahead of its release on March 9 (March 10 in North America).
The 3CD set will include a remastered version of the album along with a complete live recording from the 'Defenders' tour from the Long Beach Arena in California.
A preview runs through the first 2 discs of the package: the full album plus the first half of the 1984 live recording including the performances of "Love Bites", "Metal Gods," "Breaking The Law," "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll," "Sinner," The Sentinel" and more. Check out the stream here.
Jack White Visits Detroit Tigers Spring Training
(Radio.com) Last year, Jack White's touring was notably marked by lengthy sets, and by a remarkable amount of baseball stadium appearances. Well, with spring training back in session, White now has an excuse to head back on the diamond. And that is just what he has done.
White stopped by to see the Tigers at their Lakeland, Florida spring training facility, stopping to chat it up and take pictures with everyone from stars Jose Iglesias to team legend and current special assistant, Alan Trammell.
As is expected when White visits a baseball event, social media went nuts. Iglesias tweeted "jack white Thank you for cóming today / Unos de los grandes en la música !!!!" Read more here.
Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi Tribute Album Preview Goes Online
(hennemusic) Audio previews are available of the 20 songs that make up "Great Lefty: Live Forever. Tribute To Tony Iommi Godfather Of Metal", a collection featuring new interpretations of the work of the Black Sabbath guitarist.
Due May 4, the set includes participation from former Sabbath and Heaven And Hell drummer Vinny Appice, former Black Sabbath vocalist Tony Martin, Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau, Hugh McDonald (David Bromberg, Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi, Lita Ford), Mark Boals (Savoy Brown, Malmsteen, Dio Disciples, Dokken) and many others.
Listen to samples of each of the songs at Tanzan Music here. The first-ever tribute to the pioneering musician is the brainchild of Iommi supporters and Facebook communities Tony Iommi The Man The Master The Legend and Global Black Sabbath Convention. Read more here.
Supergroup Killer Be Killed Hit At Tour Plans
(TeamRock Radio) Speaking to Metal Hammer at Soundwave in Australia, Killer Be Killed's Greg Puciato talks about the excitement the band feel about playing live, and about playing shows in the UK and US.
"We're gonna try and squeeze in whatever we can, probably towards the end of the year," says Puciato. "We've talked about the UK and the US. The UK is a great possibility, because you can play the whole lot in about two weeks, whereas with the US it might be that we do New York and Los Angeles, because we won't have time for a five or six week tour... I just know we're gonna play."
Last week the band's Troy Sanders told the Metal Hammer Radio show how much he'd like to play further shows after the band's debut live performance at Soundwave. Watch the full interview here.
Anthrax Release New Studio Video
(hennemusic) Anthrax have released a new video update from the recording studio as they continue to work on their 11th album. Anthrax are working with producer Jay Ruston on the follow-up to 2011's "Worship Music", which is expected to be released this year.
The band are sharing footage featuring clips of new music; it's the latest update following video released in December at the start of the project and rhythm track sessions last month.
This past week, guitarist Scott Ian made a cameo appearance as a zombie on the latest episode of AMC's zombie apocalypse drama "The Walking Dead."
Moonspell Release 'Extinct' Video
(TeamRock Radio) Moonspell have released a new music video for the song 'Extinct', which comes off of their forthcoming album of the same name, which will be released this month.
Extinct - their follow-up to 2012's Alpha Noir/Omega White - will be available as a two-disc edition, which will contain the full album, along with bonus tracks and a behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the album titled Road To Extinction. It will also be issued as a mediabook, limited deluxe edition and on vinyl.
Say the band: "It puts the D of darkness back into dark metal. It's a true lesson for the new generations of goth metal about how it's played and felt with body and soul - a lesson taught by no others than our Portuguese gentlemen wolves."
Kurt Cobain's Childhood Home Up For Sale Again
(hennemusic) Kurt Cobain's childhood home in Aberdeen, Washington is back on the market for less than $100k less than its previous listing. In the fall of 2013, the late singer's mother originally listed the property for sale at $500k.
Journalist and Nirvana fan Jamie Dunkle launched a crowdfunding campaign in the spring of 2014 to buy it and turn it into a Kurt Cobain museum; supporters helped raise a mere $2,385 towards a goal of $700,000 via GoFundMe.com.
Now, Aberdeen Realty has a new listing for the 1.5 story, 4 bedroom, 1 bath, 1,522-square-foot home at a reduced price tag of $400k. The Puget Sound Business Journal reports the home is much more expensive than nearby properties due to its legendary former resident; the median price for homes in the east Aberdeen area is $100k. Read more here.
Ticket Resellers In The UK Promise More Transparency
(Classic Rock) Secondary ticket sellers in the UK have agreed to provide more information to buyers after government body the Competition and Markets Authority stepped in.
Websites including Stubhub and Seatwave have been mired in controversy in recent months, with people from many sectors of the music industry calling for action over the way they operate. Criticisms have included the fact that original ticket prices aren't listed alongside the reseller's rate, buyers aren't told about restricted views, and difficulties with contacting sellers over problems.
Last month bands including Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden backed the Put Fans First campaign in a bid to have ticket sales laws overhauled.
Now the CMA report that resellers have agreed to list original prices, state whether views are restricted, explain whether multiple bookings refer to seats beside each other, full details of additional charges and a contact email address where help can be requested. Read more here.
Singled Out: Roxy Roca's Love Maker DeVille
Today Taye Cannon and Errol Siegel from Roxy Roca tells us about their new single "Love Maker DeVille" which comes from their brand new album "Ain't Nothing Fancy". Here is the story:
Taye Cannon: Physical attraction isn't everything, but it's a very real thing. "Love Maker DeVille" came together during a time when I was trying to bounce back from a little heartache. I was hanging out in downtown Austin, Texas, one morning looking for a little inspiration for a comeback song, when a sight to behold of a woman came down the street and filled me with so much inspiration that I felt resurrected. I looked away and made a deal with myself that I was only gonna take one more look and then jot down the first description that came to my mind, unfiltered, and that would be the name of the song and the chorus. I took one more look and I said to myself, "She was a milk-fed, long-legged, heartbreaker; a fatback Cadillac love maker DeVille."
Errol Siegel: When it came time to make a video for this song, we called up our good friends Josh and Nick Holden from Mishnoon. We worked with them on our video for "Try My Love" so we knew whatever they did was going to come out great. We ended up shooting the video at one of our favorite south Austin hangouts, C-Boy's Heart & Soul. The video is mostly about the chase -- the magnetic attraction that can happen from across the room. There was not a whole lot of direction. They (the directors) just set the scene and let the action unfold organically. We were trying to capture the feel of a late-night, after-hours party at C-Boy's, and I think that came together pretty well!
